The Argus today pledges £1,000 to catch the criminals whose sickening arson attack left an innocent couple critically ill in hospital.

This will be added to the police reward already on offer making a total of £2,000 available for information about the attack on the home of Charlie Fearn and his wife Chris in Worthing on Monday.

The couple were last night spending their fourth night in hospital suffering horrific burns from the fire which police believe could have been carried out by drugs gang which got the wrong house.

Mr and Mrs Fearn were forced to jump 20ft from an upstairs window at their home in Whitebeam Road, Durrington, Worthing, to escape the deadly smoke and heat and Mr Fearn, 66, broke his spine in at least two places in the fall.

Michael Beard, group editor of The Argus, said: "This was a truly horrendous crime and the culprit should not be allowed to get away with it.

"Mr and Mrs Fearn were a caring and loving - and, above all, innocent - couple who did not deserve their terrible injuries and the loss of their home.

"We want to join the police in ensuring those responsible for the attack are brought to justice and I urge anybody with any information to come forward."

A police spokeswoman said the force had received a number of calls after media appeals yesterday but more information was needed.

She said: "We have had a very positive response but we need more and are appealing for anyone with any information whatsoever to come forward."

Mr and Mrs Fearn's three sons Darren, Lee and Stuart have been by their bedside at Worthing Hospital since the attack.

The brothers pleaded for information at a press conference on Wednesday where Stuart, 31, read out a statement which said: "Somebody somewhere knows the people who did this to our mum and dad.

"If they are reluctant or frightened to come forward, I would like them to imagine it's their parents who have jumped in fear through a window to save their lives and are lying in hospital fighting for their lives with the terrible injuries they have sustained."

Mr Fearn suffered burns to 16 per cent of his body including his left arm, chest and back and Mrs Fearn, 59, suffered ten per cent burns.

Both have been heavily sedated since they arrived at Worthing Hospital so they are not in pain.

Police are keen to speak to a man seen running away from the Fearn's house just as the petrol used to start the fire exploded.

He is described as white, 5ft 9in, stocky build, with short light brown or blond cropped hair.

He was wearing a black Puffa jacket, possibly with a white stripe down the arms, a dark hooded top and dark trousers.

The reward is on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an offender responsible for the attack.

Anyone with any information can contact Worthing CID on 0845 6070999 or call the free and confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.